Encarnación to join Yankees on Monday, become primary DH

CHICAGO (AP) — Yankees manager Aaron Boone plans to use AL home run leader Edwin Encarnación as his team’s primary designated hitter after the 36-year-old slugger joins the team in New York on Monday.

Speaking to reporters before Sunday’s game in Chicago against the White Sox, Boone said he expects Encarnación to be available when the Yankees open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. He’ll occasionally play the three-time All-Star at first base.

The Yankees acquired Encarnación in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, adding another slugger to what could be one of the most powerful lineups when Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return from injuries.

Seattle is sending the Yankees $8,397,849, leaving New York to pay $8 million of remaining $16,397,849 Encarnación is guaranteed. New York is sending 19-year-old minor league pitcher Juan Then to Seattle.

Encarnación is hitting .241 and is among the league leaders with 49 RBIs and 48 runs scored. He has 401 career home runs, including 18 in 69 games at the new Yankee Stadium.

Boone said Stanton could return Tuesday after being sidelined by biceps, shoulder and calf injuries. Judge also is inching closer after he strained his left oblique in April. Both stars are on rehab assignments in Triple-A.